Translation guide
The concept of motion that continues indefinitely without an external energy source. In Japanese, this is primarily a scientific or technical term, often used in the context of 'perpetual motion machines'.
To refer to the physical concept of perpetual motion, especially in the context of physics or impossible machines.
To describe something that seems to continue endlessly, like non-stop activity or an unstoppable process.
Means 'does not know how to stop', used figuratively for ceaseless motion or activity. Natural in everyday language.
彼の好奇心は止まることを知らない。
His curiosity is like perpetual motion.
Directly translating 'perpetual motion' as 永久の動き (eikyū no ugoki) is not idiomatic. Use 永久運動 for the scientific concept or figurative phrases for metaphorical use.
The standard scientific term for perpetual motion. Used in physics and engineering contexts.
永久運動は物理法則に反する。
Perpetual motion violates the laws of physics.
Literally 'perpetual mechanism', this is the common term for a perpetual motion machine. Often used when discussing the impossibility of such devices.
永久機関を作ることは不可能だ。
It is impossible to build a perpetual motion machine.
Literally 'incessant movement', this phrase captures the idea of continuous motion without pause. Slightly more literary.
都会の絶え間ない動きに疲れた。
I got tired of the perpetual motion of the city.
A direct translation meaning 'to continue moving eternally'. Can sound unnatural if used outside poetic or emphatic contexts.
Avoid using this as a direct translation in casual speech; it may sound overly dramatic or literal.
この彫刻は永久に動き続けるように見える。
This sculpture looks like it is in perpetual motion.